What draws young men into violent extremist groups? What are the ideologies that inspire them to join? And what are the emotional bonds that are forged that make it difficult to leave, even when they want to?

Based on in-depth interviews with ex-white nationalists and neo-Nazis in the United States, as well as ex-skinhead and neo-Nazis in Germany and Sweden, renowned sociologist Michael Kimmel examines the multiple roles that gender—particularly masculinity—has on these young recruits. Kimmel unveils how white extremist groups wield masculinity to recruit and retain members—and prevent members from exiting the movement. These young men feel a sense of righteous indignation, seeing themselves as victims in a world suddenly dominated by political correctness. Their birthright has been upended, they say—and violent extremist groups leverage masculinity to manipulate the men’s despair into white supremacist and neo-Nazi hatred , all to “take their manhood back.”

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity offered plenty of revelations about the latest and greatest innovations in the world of marketing this year. Not surprisingly, understanding the most successful means for brands to communicate with their audiences can offer significant insight into how communication is evolving socially, as well as commercially.

From Virtual Reality changing the landscape of experiential marketing, to consumers' relentless demand for entertainment, and the new horizons for gender roles in advertising, the sociological nuances of consumer culture were hard to miss at this year's summit of creative minds.

Read OnBrand's take on the marketing landscape, and the 5 Key Takeaways from Cannes Lions 2016, and consider what your own perceptions as a consumer reveal about your greater social attitudes.

Dr. Kimmel presenting at the plenary session at the Women Deliver Conference in Copenhagen on May 17, 2016. It was a massive, inspiring conference on empowering women and girls. Thanks to the organizers! Photo credit: Judith Helzner

"Michael was so engaging, faculty/staff members loved their conversation him, and students were invested in learning from Michael at the keynote. Michael is so kind, generous, and has a great sense of humor" - Northeastern University

Thanks to all of the great folks at Northeastern University for giving me such a warm welcome.

It's finally here. After receiving many suggestions and comments on my previous site, I have "upgraded". I hope you enjoy the new site and content, particularly this main homepage where I will periodically blog.

Director of the Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities Dr. Michael Kimmel was joined by Jane Fonda & Rosanna Arquette at the opening of the International Conference on Masculinities: Engaging Men and Boys for Gender Equality at Roosevelt Hotel on March 7, 2015 in New York City